Just like there are different types of personalities, there are also different types of blood. Human blood is grouped into four types: A, B, AB, and O. Each letter refers to a kind of antigen, or protein, on the surface of red blood cells.
Universal Recipients
Individuals with AB Positive blood are known as universal recipients because they can receive any one of the blood groups or Rh types in a blood transfusion. Persons with group O Negative blood are known as universal donors because their blood can be safely transfused to individuals with any of the other blood groups or Rh types. The emergency transfusion of O Negative blood is often done when there is no time to match the patient’s exact blood group.
Consideration During Pregnancy
Whether one is typed as Rh Negative or Rh Positive is an important consideration in transfusion therapy and during pregnancy. An Rh Negative person can never receive Rh Positive blood. During a transfusion, an immune reaction occurs that destroys the transfused Rh positive cells. In an Rh negative mother carrying an Rh positive baby, the baby’s red blood cells are destroyed by antibodies produced by the mother’s immune system. If a mother-to-be is found to be Rh-negative, this dangerous immune response can be prevented with a vaccination during early pregnancy
Typing of donated blood is important because this information allows health practitioners to determine which patients are compatible and can safely receive that blood.
Stay informed. Get a Blood Type and Rh test. Contact Star Wellness to set up an appointment.
